Selection Process

Selection is based on meeting the academic eligibility requirements and attaining a satisfactory score from the interview. Eligibility is not limited to Missouri residents; however, the number of non-resident students who can be accepted may be limited. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.

The Admissions Committee feels that applicants should:
a. have experience working with a variety of animal species;
b. be familiar with the veterinary medical profession;
c. be community minded and have demonstrated leadership abilities;
d. be an effective communicator;
e. have developed time and stress management skills;
f. be sincerely motivated; and
g. have realistically evaluated their plans for financing their education since demands of the professional curriculum usually preclude part-time employment during school sessions.

Shortages of veterinarians are not evenly distributed within the profession. However, the Committee does not select students by the type of work they say they wish to do as veterinarians. Interests of students frequently change during their four years of professional studies.

Approximately 50% of accepted students have completed degrees. No preference is shown for applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Characteristics of the Average Student in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine

2009 Incoming Class Characteristics:

Total applicants were 708

Residency:
Residency status is determined by the MU Residency Office, not by the College of Veterinary Medicine. Questions concerning residency status should be directed to:

Residency Services
University of Missouri-Columbia
230 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-3852

An agreement exists with Arkansas which may reduce tuition for residents of that state.

The number of non-resident positions is variable based on annual applicant pools. Consideration is only given to U.S. citizens or holders of permanent alien visas.